We stumbled upon this landmark as we were making our way around the Nauticus/USS Wisconsin by the…read morewater to go to the Pagoda & Foundation Park. This is located in Wisconsin Square near the Harbour Place Condos. Fun fact: according to the Downtown Norfolk website, this bell is one of the last remaining pieces of the "Norfolk" destroyer. Some parts of the ships is in a high school in Florida and the rest of the ship was scrapped in 1974. I always appreciate a piece of history being documented and shared with the public for all to enjoy. Stay safe, Friends!

I came here after going to a sports card show in Norfolk. It wasn't a planned visit but I was just…read morelooking for something interesting to look at since I had a lot of free time and the weather was nice on Saturday. I thought it would be a lot larger but the spot is quite small but it is very nice to walk around. There are also lots of nice areas adjacent to the garden and terrace as well. I parked in front of the garden went around it and then found the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum just past the garden. I went around and finished checking out the other side of the garden after. The parking was free for 2 hrs in front of the garden and it seemed like parking in general was plentiful and open this weekend. It looked like college dormitories around the garden and some other residential areas around the middle of downtown Norfolk. There were many nice plants in the garden, the terrace was nice but not open as far as I could tell, and the koi pond was nice if someone would clean out the pond scum from the fish pond. There were small bridges over the water and multiple water fountains in the koi pond. There were a few benches to sit on if you wanted to just relax or meditate in the garden. Overall, it was a nice garden but it is not something to go downtown to see, but it is a nice additional thing to see if you are going to the USS Wisconsin and the Naval museum or if you staying in downtown area. Lots of people were exercising (walking and jogging) so it is a nice scene to pass by if you are doing that.

Great spot to walk around. There's ice cream inside too! Very yummy. Beautiful day to explore.read more

An interesting and historic venue, but one with a serious safety issue. Do not under any…read morecircumstances sit in the balcony. The seats there are cramped and uncomfortable with no leg room. Evacuating the balcony in a timely manner in the event of an emergency would likely be difficult at best.

Amazing display of Black History and the accomplishments made by African Americans. It highlights…read morethe impact on the state, national and the world. The curator was knowledgeable, resourceful, and enthusiastic.

Of all the nearby bases - I've visited JEB Little Creek the least in my 17 years as a contractor…read morewith the Navy. We all know it's where all the cool shit goes down but unless you have reason to venture on - it's not a place I frequent. It's easy to find your way around compared to NOB bc it's nowhere near as large. And their pass-ID office is one of the best bc you can easily get in and out as a walk-in last minute.

This is a little hidden gem for beach lovers that have access to military bases. The parking here…read moreis excellent and very close to the beach. You can virtually park right in the sand if you'd like, and walk directly ahead to your spot. The beach is small and quaint and it's also great for families with small children seeing that the beach is very small. During the pandemic the beach was stringed off into sections for families and it was wonderful that it was done so everyone was within a safe distance from each other. The actual beach itself is not very full of waves, and always tends to have a very large sandbar, and a very slow drop off. You can normally walk very far into the ocean and it only be waist deep which I personally really like. The only downside to this beach is that not everyone has access to it. You must have a military issued ID card that the front gate will scan prior to entrance.

Always a great time at our local Botanical Gardens! It's really amazing what a beautiful day…read moreoutside can do for your mood and NBG is just the place to do it for you. Always clean, great employees, and lots to do. They hold homeschool events and events open to all and for all ages. Our favorite thing is to butterflies, we have used it for both homeschool science and art. Everyone who has worked there and we have interacted with has been extremely friendly. Then if you or your kiddos love planes you can go and watch the planes take off.

The Norfolk botanical garden has been on my list of places to see since I went to the national…read morebotanical Gardens in Washington Washington DC. I'm very glad I had the opportunity to visit and even more excited to become a member. Not only are the grounds impeccably gorgeous there are many ways to view them rather than just on foot. The free tram runs every hour and runs all around the entire property, giving you a good feeling for the gardens. There is a tower lookout, a butterfly garden, a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and even two beautiful redwoods. The most exciting feature is yet to come in September. The garden of the future, which is currently in progress . A stunning glass building that is an architectural feast for the eyes. I can only imagine it in its full splendor when it is complete in September. The garden of the future will include tropical gardens, arid gardens, and a café and when I am most, especially excited to see is Dale Chihuly has several of his pieces incorporated within the exhibits. We had the opportunity to take the boat ride, which I highly recommend Carolyn did an amazing job fighting the winds on our excursion, as Louis described to us the different wildlife that inhabit the water. I am excited to visit in the fall to see the gardens in transition when we come to experience the Garden of the Future.

Hampton Carousel is hands down the best carousel experience I have ever had, and that goes the same…read morefor my parents who were with me. The gentlemen running it were incredibly nice and gave us an unforgettable tour of this classic piece of Americana. My parents and I had planned to make the Hampton Carousel a focal point of our recent visit to the area since my mother is a member of the National Carousel Association, and we were so glad we did. This was a gorgeous Sunday and despite that the area was relatively empty. We had very few other folks come by the carousel while we were there and so the two gentlemen running it gave us the grand tour, including of the central support pillar, the electronics adapted to assist the century-old organ, and the other historical artifacts lining the walls. They did so out of the kindness of their hearts and a genuine affection for the carousel and its history, which you just don't see in terms of commitment at most venues anymore. The price for all of this? $1 a ride. What a deal! The carousel ride itself was enjoyable, and it's very cool that they have so many tracks of the hit songs from each year the carousel has been open. You never know what you'll hear next! The pavilion containing the carousel is beautiful and sturdy, which is particularly important when it comes to protecting the carousel for the next century or so. This was a fun experience, and you can't beat the $1 ride price. Genuinely great fun for everyone, make sure you stop by if you're in the area! Overall: 5.0 stars ----- Pros: - Amazing staff who go out of their way to make your experience a special one. - $1 carousel rides? The price is right! - Beautiful pavilion in great shape. - Fun decor with a ton of history behind it. Cons: - None, even their hours are great. Make sure you stop by!

Hampton Carousel (HC) is ready for Halloween! I had read about HC from another Yelper and…read morebookmarked it for a day we found ourselves in Hampton and whaddya know, we found ourselves in Hampton last weekend, a lot sooner than I thought so this bookmark came in handy. Our kids love carousels so I knew this would be the perfect little pit stop before we made our way back to the other side. HC is located right next to the Virginia Air and Space Science Center. - Parking - There was not a dedicated parking lot for the HC that we could see, so luckily we found street parking nearby and it was free. - TLC - Two staff members were running the place. One by the admissions desk and one operating the carousel. The woman by the admissions started her spiel like a seasoned actress rehearsing her lines for the next blockbuster movie. She did not skip a beat. She told us that the HC turns 101 years old this year! Wow, pretty neat that they have kept this piece of history well maintained. - Pricing and Ride - The cost is one whole dollar. Cash only. And you get your dollar's worth too. The ride seemed quite long, like a good 5 minutes, but maybe that's just me. I was riding the sleigh (that doesn't even move!) and I was feeling a little queasy by the end LOL. Our kids on the other hand, couldn't get enough. HC was decorated for Halloween. The women encouraged the kids to make their way around the carousel to the different spooky and ghoulish figures to nab some candy before it spooked them. The kids had fun doing that! Well worth the visit to witness a bit of history and super cheap entertainment for the kids. Ride $1, smiles priceless. Stay safe, Friends!

The USO of Hampton Roads hospitality room in Norfolk International Airport is a long overdue…read morereview. Located on the second floor above the rental car agencies. Just look for all the flags. The USO welcomes all active and retired military of the U.S and families. This service extends to NATO Allies. They offer comfort to those traveling through Hampton Roads. Things like a computer with printer, TV, games for kids, a quiet room for resting and also drinks with snacks. A live board shows arrivals and departures. The main room is nicely decorated with military items like Challenge coins. The staff is always amazing and helpful. They love visitors that stop by even if it's for a quick snack. I believe staff are volunteers, so treat them extra nice. Cannot recommend more. Stop by and say hello if your military personnel, or family. Keep in mind they do have hours, but they are fantastic! Open until midnight.

If you haven't been to the USO at the Norfolk International Airport, you haven't lived!…read more This place is great... The Ladies here offer First Class Service and Support. Thank you Norfolk International Airport - ORF and the USO of Hampton Road's for making this Veterans wait EXCEPTIONAL.

One of the most historic sights in Norfolk. Find the…read morecannonball fired by Lord Dunmore and see the graves of some of the founders of Norfolk.

This is a review for the historical building and cemetery; not the services offered…read more St Paul's was built in 1739 and we always enjoy stopping here for a glimpse back in time. Walking around the peaceful grounds, you forget you are in downtown Norfolk with a mall next door. The centuries-old headstones, the English cannonball embedded in the brick wall of the church from the Revolutionary War and the architecture all add to the charm.

A first for me, I didn't know this house existed. I found out about the holiday decor/open house…read morevia an IG story that VBhistory museums posted. Apparently they have been doing these holiday open houses for a couple years or so now. Admission is free but suggested donations range from $3-$5 (there's a sign outside the house and the info is on their website). The holiday open house showcased the house decorated with 18th century decor with flowers, cotton, fruit and oyster shells designed by the garden club. The original house structure contained one room on the first floor and a loft upstairs, but after ownership had transferred across three families -Whitehurst, Bratten and Buffington it has undergone expansions. The house has been occupied up until 1986 and is considered one of of the 50 historically significant structures in Virginia Beach. It was built soon after the first lighthouse was erected in Cape Henry. Daniel Whitehurst was a commissioner and allowed for the VB courthouse to be built near his home. During the holiday open house they had refreshments consisting of mints, various cookies and nuts, with the accompaniment of coffee and cider. The house boasts four fireplaces where on the left, Bob Clark was doing what he does well, playing sweet sounds from the dulcimer. For those not familiar with the dulcimer, it's essentially an open stringed portable piano. The sounds that originate from it are very clean, calming and relaxing. Upstairs are three rooms, one which holds an old singer and a quilt, another with historic maps of the area and the last room has a bed and a bassinet. In an attic? Or small partitioned area was a violinist gliding her bow in a frenzy of holiday cheer. It was neat to see the house, however the kitchen had been updated and renovated in a 1950s style, which truly lives up to a "house over time."

While walking on the West Neck Natural Creek Area with my dog. I thought I could check out the…read moreWhitehurst Buffington House within the area. It was a nice stroll through the trees on the horse trail. I imagined how it was like before cars when one would ride a horse carriage. This place takes me back in time. Unfortunately, they would not allow dogs and I wasn't surprised. I got a peek at the nice house.

Pay your respect to the sailors of the USS Cole who did not get to make it home…read more It is a nice view located in norfolk. For those living, visiting, or stationed in norfolk this is a site you just got to visit once.